Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan comments on Lonzo Ball's injury saga - "You just feel bad that he hasn't been able to play"
Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball has not played NBA basketball since January 14, 2022, and it remains to be seen if and when he'll be able to do so. The latest chapter of the 25-year-old's injury saga has Ball and his team considering another surgery to finally find an answer for his knee issues. The development made Bulls head coach Billy Donovan sad.
"I just feel bad for him," Donovan said. "He's 25 years old, and here he is missing this entire year and next season is uncertain of whatever he elects to do if he does have the surgery. You just feel bad that he hasn't been able to play."
Uncertain future
What was once a bright future for Ball has turned into a murky one, filled with uncertainties. The latest news involving Ball have him potentially undergoing a third surgical procedure that would require another six months of recovery and arduous rehab.
Ball was initially supposed be out for at least six weeks after tearing his MCL in a game against the Warriors back on January 14, 2022. However, he ended up missing the rest of the season and went through a debridement procedure later that year to remove loose debris in his knee. Apparently, that process did not remedy Ball's knee woes, as he still cannot make cuts or jump without feeling discomfort.
"He's getting as many opinions and help as he can," Donovan said. "He's doing his due diligence. And I think once he gets the third, fourth, fifth opinions he's trying to get, he'll make the decision that he's comfortable with."
What's the Bulls' next move?
With Ball pushing the pace and defending like a maniac, the Bulls were arguably the hottest team in the league prior to his injury. Now, they must decide what they will do next. Ball's absence has resulted in the Bulls going through a revolving door of guards that included sophomore Ayo Dosunmu, Alex Caruso, Goran Dragic—who has since been waived—and recently, Patrick Beverley.
Donovan says he's not privy to these discussions, but he trusts that the team's management will do their work.
"I'm not involved in all the conversations, but I do think Artūras (Karnišovas) and Marc (Eversley), the front office, ownership, will sit down after (Ball's) decision is made, look at a timetable of how long this rehab and recovery will be and then make decisions from there,"
